Ged Watts, 34, who has Down’s Syndrome, has the lead role as a martial arts ace in Stranger Hero.

The short film is being produced by Shoot Your Mouth Off, a production company in Hartlepool which specialises in making films with disabled people.

Ged, of Redcar, has been training in martial arts to prepare for his role.

A documentary, Strangerous Pursuits, about the making of the film, is also being produced. Northern Film and Media are working with three local production companies and Sky’s Community Channel to fund the documentary. They have also helped to fund the movie.

Ged is a member of the 164-strong Great Britain Special Olympics team heading to China for the Special Olympics World Summer Games in October as the squad’s five-a-side goalkeeper.

His proud dad Pete said: “Ged is over the moon to be in the film. He’s delighted.”